"In some ways, I wish I'd never said anything about it," she's now told Digital Spy. "I'm wary of what I say about it, because I don't want to give the impression that I am [in it] and then I'm not.

"There's been talk, but it's out of my hands, really. I'd love it, but I'm not holding out for it. If it does happen great and if it doesn't happen, I've got my own stuff going on.

"Their production is so far away from the point of being made - they're casting the kids [Lyra and Will Parry] at the moment and that's obviously the biggest job for them."

Richards told us that while she's open to appearing in the BBC's series, she'd rather it was on her own merits as an actress than as a tip of the hat to the film.

"I can't imagine that they'd actually want me involved," she admitted. "I think they want very much to do their own thing, which is understandable. If I was in their position, I would probably feel that way too.

"That being said, it was a very long time ago and I don't feel like I'm the same person now - so personally, I don't see any reason why I couldn't be at least considered for any of those roles, just in my own right as an actor.

"But also know that a lot of people see me as 'the girl from The Golden Compass' and as great an experience as that was, that's always something that will be hanging over me throughout my career."